A Bute of a cycling fest
Around the clubs Ayrshire cyclists were out in force for the annual Isle of Bute Cycling Festival.
The Rothesay Cycling Weekend kicked off on Saturday with hordes of eager cyclists flocking for two days of bike racing.
A Cyclocross event on day one saw five members of Ayr Burners Cycling QTS take part on a glorious late summer evening for an hour of off- road riding in and around King George’s Field.
Gary Macdonald ( Hope Factory Racing) won with Kev Pugh the highest placed Burner in 20th.
On Sunday, the Galloway Gallop off- road sportive saw four Burners head deep into the wilderness for a big day in the saddle.
The 67 mile trek started and finished in Kirroughtree with Loch Trool, Talnotry and the Queens Way among the features on this gruelling challenge where 5000 feet of ascent was clocked up.
After five hours of riding, Gav McKellar, Davie Fulton, Rod Henderson, and Trevor Philips crossed the finish line, all remarking on a fantastic event.
The Culzean Cycling Festival saw the young ‘ Sparks’ enjoying their balance bikes as The Burners set up camp to provide fun and games for dozens of families in attendance.
A ‘ Dr Bike’ clinic was set up by Burner Duncan McArthur as part of the ‘ Big Bike Revival’ which is aimed at encouraging members of the public to revive unused bikes.
Meanwhile, the Ayr Roads Sunday Run saw a group take the coast road to Girvan, and returning inland via Dailly and Maybole.
They may now be part of Cycling UK but Ayrshire CTC continues to ring changes for its local members.
Last week it was a serious 50 miler in Galloway but this week had two gentler rides – Wednesday’s was a DIY outing when 15 cyclists congregated just outside Ardrossan for lunch.
The monthly CTC Ladies ride is normally 15 miles, and on a Saturday, but before autumn set in it was decided to offer an extended ride.
On Sunday, five met Kilwinning Station to declare their commitment to adding ten more miles with more challenge and a 10am start – an hour earlier than usual.
An Easy Ride of 25 miles features in this weekend’s Ayrshire CTC outing. Details at www. cycleayrshire. co. uk